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Discover Ecuador – A Place of Luxury and Rich Culture
Soak in the beauty of Ecuador’s awe-inspiring Andes Mountains, where you can explore unique species, stroll through mesmerizing mountain villages, and bask in delightful mountain lakes. With majestic peaks, winding valleys, and vibrant nature preserves, the Ecuadorian Andes is a must-see site for any explorer seeking an amazing outdoor experience.
Mashpi Lodge is the place to encounter 400 species of birds, trees, frogs, and endemic species found nowhere else in the world, complete with crashing waterfalls and incredible flora. Get ready to trek down hidden paths, splash through rivers, rise at dawn to spot rare birds, or fly high above it all aboard our Dragonfly Canopy Gondola.
Step into the elegance and luxury of a bygone era at Casa Gangotena Boutique Hotel in Quito. Situated in the heart of Quito’s Old Town, our beautifully and eclectically appointed mansion sings with the city’s history
The Cotopaxi Sanctuary Lodge is a unique and special place located on the slopes of the Sincholagua Volcano, found in front of the Cotopaxi Volcano, the tallest and most active in the world. The lodge is located at an altitude of 3600 meters above sea level and surrounded by beautiful and wide open grasslands in the Andean paramo with a combination of forest, streams, waterfalls, and rivers such as the Pita that passes by peacefully near the lodge.
What to bring to this trip?
Waterproof trousers, short and long-sleeve shirts, shorts, t-shirts, rain jackets, swimsuits, cotton underwear, socks, windbreaker or sweater, warm and waterproof clothes, hats, walking/hiking shoes, and sandals. Sunglasses, flashlight/torch, camera, small bag, insect repellent, Zip-lock bags to keep clothes/equipment dry, binoculars, towel, first aid kit, sunscreen
| Type of travel | Luxury |
| Duration | 7 days / 6 nights |
| Included |
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| Not included |
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Itinerary at glance
Download full itineraryWelcome to Quito! Meeting with the English-speaking guide/driver at the airport and transfer to
the hotel. Overnight in Casa Gangotena hotel.
Breakfast in the hotel. Pick up from the hotel in Quito. The tour will then continue from the
Basilica Church, where we will make a brief stop to visit it. After walking through the colonial
streets, we will then stop at the Independence Plaza to admire the Cathedral and the
Government’s Palace. We will also visit the Company Church, The Sagrario´s Church, and San
Francisco´s Church, which was built during the 17th century, you will also have the chance to
taste Ecuadorian chocolate. After visiting the historical sights, we will go to Teleferico. This is one
of the best ways to enjoy our city with views of beautiful valleys, snow-capped mountains, and
the capital, Quito. From a point of more than 13,000 feet (4000 m), you will enjoy magnificent
views of the city. After lunch, you will head to the Middle of the World monument, where you
can stand right in the middle of the equatorial line and straddle the two hemispheres. In addition,
you will have a chance to participate in several experiments at the Intiñan Museum. You will also
enjoy the amazing landscape in Pululahua inhabited crater just 5 minutes from the Equatorial
line. Overnight in Casa Gangotena hotel.
Early in the morning, you will be picked up from your hotel in Quito, to begin your journey to the
northwest of the Metropolitan District of Quito. During the trip, you will pass by La Mitad del
Mundo and continue downhill while you see the vegetation changes. Arrival at the lodge at noon.
After lunch and rest, you will begin with a hike through the forest, followed by gliding above and
through the forest canopy, aboard the Dragonfly aerial cable car. Then return to the hotel for
dinner and end the day with a night walk.
Breakfast in the hotel. Early in the morning, you can begin with a visit to the panoramic terrace
of the lodge to watch the sunrise and hear the menagerie of birds that inhabit the ecosystem
surrounding the lodge. After breakfast, you will go on a hike toward a waterfall,
and then you will head to the Hummingbirds Garden or to the Life Centre´s butterflies. After
lunch, you can go on eh aerial sky bike, and then you can climb up the Observation Tower to
watch the entire reserve. In the evening you will assist to a lecture, the “Secret Wildlife of
Mashpi: The Camera Trap Project,” “The Choco: A Biological Hotspot” about the information and
diversity, and research projects of the Chocó Region
On the last day at Mashpi Lodge, after breakfast, you will have more time to explore the forest
trails. Then, you will check out at 11 a.m., and be transferred to your next destination, Cotopaxi
Sanctuary Lodge, which is located in front of Cotopaxi.
Breakfast at the lodge. Meet your guide and board a vehicle heading towards Cotopaxi National
Park. On the way, you will enjoy the gorgeous natural scenery. Once you reach the National Park
entrance, you will visit the Interpretation Center and Limpiopungo lagoon. Take a short hike in
the surrounding of Limpiopungo valley before driving ever-higher into this sky-high region,
stopping at the 15,800-foot (4830-meter) Padre Rivas Refuge. Depending on your physical
condition, you will get the Glacier (5050-meter) Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant that offers
typical Ecuadorian meals. Overnight in Cotopaxi Sanctuary Lodge.
Option 1: Breakfast in the lodge. You will drive through the Avenue of the Volcanoes and pass
through the Pujilí small town. You will also visit an indigenous local house from the “Paramos” to
learn about their traditions and way of life. Enter their home, made of straw, and enjoy time
interacting with them. After your visit, head to the town of Tigua, famous for its naive paintings.
Continue up to the Quilotoa volcano, where you will be able to descend to the lake located inside
the crater or just walk around the crater. You will also be able to enjoy an unforgettable
experience by muleback riding or kayaking in the lake. Enjoy lunch and stand in one of the most
beautiful landscapes in the highlands and traditional indigenous villages. Note: on Thursdays,
Saquisilí Indigenous Market is optional.
Option 2: Breakfast in the lodge. You will have the opportunity to do some activities at the lodge
itself. The lodge offers you diverse activities such as:
- Horseback riding (1-2 hours): The horse trails are within the Cotopaxi Sanctuary Lodge
property, and you are accompanied by both bilingual and a local guide. With favorable
weather, you can view other nearby volcanoes such as Rumiñahui, Pasochoa, the
Sincholagua in which we are located and others.
- Fishing: Excursion to fish the wild Pita River. Land the catch of a lifetime in one of the
wildest locations in Ecuador or visit one of the stocked pools that belong to the local
communities with stunning waterfalls nearby.
- Hiking for 1-2 hours: Accompanied by your bilingual guide you can reach a deeper
connection to the pure and raw natural areas of the Cotopaxi moorlands. During your
hike, you may encounter wild rabbits, Andean foxes, deer, owls, and a large diversity of
birds.
- Biking for 1-2 hours: your bilingual guide will accompany you as you ride across the high
plains. The entire loop provides you with a trail of about 10 km or 6 miles.
- Cooking Class: Get to know the culture by preparing a traditional Ecuadorian dish directly
with Cotopaxi Sanctuary Lodge's chef, you can also choose to learn how to prepare
homemade blueberry marmalade from the "mortiños", or blueberry variety that is grown
on the property.
Breakfast in the lodge. Your guide will pick you up at the lodge and transfer you to the airport in
Quito.
